Tanglewood Alexander Hummer

If a Brandy Alexander and a milkshake had a love child, this would be it.

Vanilla ice cream gets blended with brandy, creme de cacao, and a dusting of nutmeg into a thick, frosty cocktail that goes down dangerously smooth.

It’s the kind of drink you sip on a warm afternoon while pretending you’re lounging at the Tanglewood music festival in the Berkshires.

Two scoops, a quick whirl in the blender, and you’ve got a dessert and a cocktail in the same glass.

Kitchen Tips

• Soften the ice cream slightly. Let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes before blending so your blender doesn’t struggle and the texture stays thick and creamy.
• Use quality brandy. You only need an ounce, so reach for something smooth. The flavor comes through clearly in a drink this simple.
• Freshly grated nutmeg makes a difference. Pre-ground works in a pinch, but a few swipes on a microplane releases those warm, aromatic oils that really finish the drink.